Haiti election feasibility questioned amid security and political concerns

Human rights and peace organizations in Haiti have expressed deep skepticism regarding the feasibility of the upcoming December elections. The rights group Défenseurs Plus stated that the scheduled vote is unachievable regardless of the measures taken by authorities, citing the poor management of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and the deteriorating political and security climate.

Antonal Mortimé, executive director of Défenseurs Plus, accused the government and the CEP of stalling to prolong their hold on power. He further criticized the CEP for excessive public spending on travel while failing to take concrete actions to advance the electoral process. He also noted an imbalance in the political landscape, alleging that certain parties benefit from state resources and influence.

In the commune of Cité Soleil, the Committee for Peace and Development (CPD) warned that no democratic or inclusive election can occur while armed gangs maintain control over key neighborhoods like Wharf Jérémie, Belekou, and Boston. Fritznel Pierre, director of the CPD, noted that gang leaders may control candidate campaigning and suggested that some armed groups might support specific candidates to secure political protection.